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January 22, 2009, 1:12 am
Flag as Inappropriate DanaS  

I've a friend who needs them but won't take antidepressants that the doctor is recommending. Can she really hope to cope without them or are things likely to get worse?

That's hard to tell without knowing her personally. Most doctors only recommend an anti-depressant when nothing else works. Obviously, if she refuses to take them, there isn't much anyone can do but yes, it can and will get worse if she is truly clinically depressed.

Doctors have gotten a whole lot more cautious about prescribing anti-depressants than they used to be. If your friend really needs them I can't see much good coming out of her refusal to take them. I imagine she really could get worse.

I would hope that if your friend continues to refuse anti-depressant medications she will at least see a counselor who she feels comfortable discussing her symptoms with. Perhaps he can convince her of the benefits of using anti-depressants on a short term basis or help her deal with her depression without medication.

You can only encourage her to do what she needs to do and look out for her if she still refuses. If she gets worse there are risks of course, so just keep an eye on her.

I think when a doctor realizes its getting to be bad they might try to step in, but still its up to your friend. I know someone that after childbirth had some serious baby blues and ended up within the first week on them.

Is there any reason you know of that the friend is not wanting to take them? I know some are hesitant about it at first but many end up dealing better with it once they understand that they can be used proper, if thats the worry.